You’re Not Too Old to Heal: How Childhood Trauma Therapy in Falls Church, VA Supports Generational Breakthroughs
“Is it too late?” This is what you often find yourself thinking.
You feel like, at this point in life, things cannot change, right? You are set in your ways. You made the relationships you made because of how things were in the past.
If only things could have been different…
Well. I am here to interrupt and disrupt that belief. We are ALWAYS hearing nonsense about how it is “too late,” and “I am too old for that.” But I am here to tell you that when it comes to healing from childhood trauma, it is never too late to heal and to lean into a more confident, peaceful, and fulfilling life. Childhood trauma therapy in Falls Church, VA, can provide compassionate support and healing.
Childhood Trauma Means Your Past Lives in Your Present
What is childhood trauma?
Examples of childhood trauma can include:
Physical abuse.
Sexual abuse.
Emotional abuse.
Emotional neglect.
Domestic violence.
Parental incarceration.
Growing up with parent(s) or caretaker(s) who struggled with substance use.
Food or housing insecurity.
Homelessness.
Immigration trauma.
Intergenerational trauma.
Attachment trauma.
Acculturation trauma/challenges.
Childhood trauma does not care about your chronological age. Instead, it is often defined by what is usually called “emotional flashbacks.”
Maybe you have heard of the term “flashbacks.” Often, they are associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. In a movie, you might see someone with PTSD enter a triggering/stressful situation and then enter a “flashback” where it seems like they are in a visually engaging memory of the past.
In reality, flashbacks do not usually work this way. When it comes to living with the remnants of childhood trauma, you may find that you struggle to face uncomfortable situations, people-please, suddenly get angry out of proportion to what seems reasonable, or feel extremely anxious at other moments. You may feel the need to control and plan out every single moment because you are terrified of what could happen if you do not.
This is more in line with an emotional flashback. If you grew up in an environment that felt unpredictable, terrifying, critical, or unsafe, chances are that when you (consciously or unconsciously) feel these ways again, you try to do something to protect yourself now. It is like you revert to that stage of your life, even momentarily.
‘I’m Too Old to Heal’ Can Be Code for ‘I am Really Scared’
Yep, I said it, and it can be the uncomfortable truth. When you have been living one way, it gets to be familiar, and the thing about familiar is that even when things feel hard, painful, and overwhelming, they are familiar to you. But on the other side of healing, the unknown can be terrifying. These are patterns I’ve seen time and time again as a childhood trauma therapist.
Healing from Childhood Trauma CAN Be Scary AND it Can Lead to Incredible Growth at Any Age
Even when life feels scary, growth can happen, no matter when in life. Entering into the vulnerable space of the therapeutic relationship can feel intimidating, especially if relationships and vulnerable spaces have not felt safe before. In therapy, we take our time, building trust to make sure that we can work together as partners. Through therapeutic growth and change, you can gain peace, ease, and the ability to navigate the hard moments with more capability and empowerment. You have all the tools and capacity. Together, at Nurturing Willow Psychotherapy, we get to unlock it.
Work with a Trauma Therapist at Nurturing Willow Psychotherapy in Falls Church, VA
Alice Zic, MPH, LCSW | Trauma Therapist & Owner of Nurturing Willow Psychotherapy, LLC
Connect with a Trauma Therapist in Falls Church, VA
At Nurturing Willow Psychotherapy, we offer compassionate, trauma-informed support for those ready to reclaim their sense of self.
Here’s how to begin your healing:
Click the button below to schedule your free 15-minute consultation phone call.
Complete the pre-consult questions.
Consult with trauma therapist, Alice Zic.
Begin your journey toward healing childhood trauma.
Online Childhood Trauma Therapy in Falls Church, Virginia
My virtual practice is located in Falls Church, Virginia, but as a therapist licensed in Virginia, I offer online therapy to residents of the entire state. Therapy for childhood trauma becomes much simpler this way, at any stage of life and of healing. You can join your sessions right from the comfort of your home—no commuting necessary. Book your free intro call below to get started!
Expanded Therapy Options Available in Falls Church, VA, and Colchester, CT
In addition to our focus on childhood trauma, Nurturing Willow Psychotherapy provides virtual counseling for concerns such as teen anxiety and the long-term impact of parentification. Whether you’re coping with emotional overwhelm or working to establish healthier boundaries, we create a compassionate, judgment-free space for healing accessible from anywhere.
About Alice Zic, Childhood Trauma Therapist in Virginia
Alice Zic is a licensed trauma therapist in Connecticut and Virginia. She specializes in helping Gen X and Millennial perfectionist women heal from their childhood traumas and walk into a future filled with self-love and confidence. Alice is an attachment-based therapist who is trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. IFS is a trauma-informed and evidence-based modality that supports healing the mind and body. If you would like to learn more about Alice, please click here. If you would like to work with Alice, please click here to schedule your free consult call today.